Commission denies fiberglass storefront doors, directs staff to approve wood or steel alternatives

The Opelika Historic Preservation Commission voted to deny an applicant’s request to replace two deteriorated metal storefront double doors with 3/4‑light fiberglass insulated‑core doors and instead approved wood or steel doors with staff authority to approve details.

Staff presented photos of the current metal doors, explained the deterioration and gap at the bottom allowing air infiltration, and said the applicant proposed 3/4‑light fiberglass insulated doors for the two storefront entrances (a third residential door on the same opening would not be replaced). Staff recommended approval of the fiberglass doors for this non‑contributing structure.

Commission members raised concerns about introducing fiberglass into the downtown historic context and pointed to local precedents. One Committee member noted earlier restorations (Red Clay and a distillery) where wood or steel openings had been used rather than fiberglass. Commissioners worried that approving fiberglass could invite more widespread use downtown and discussed the durability tradeoffs when businesses bump doors or roll kegs through storefronts.

The Chair moved to deny the fiberglass option but approve wood or steel doors, allowing staff to approve those alternatives so the project would not be delayed; a staff member seconded the motion. The Chair called the vote and the motion passed by voice vote.

Commissioners did not list an alternative product spec beyond wood or steel; staff suggested approving wood or steel openings that met design criteria and handling details under staff approval to expedite the applicant’s work.